MFM- Multilevel Flow Modelling

Multilevel Flow Modelling Community

Multilevel Flow Modelling (MFM) is a tool for developing goals-means based models, and then reason with these models to answer questions, such as if A has happened, what could the cause be, or what may the consequences be. The ideas of MFM dates back to the early 90's. It builds on the fundamental concepts of action developed by von Wright.

Here at the start of the second decade of the third millenium active work on development of the theory behind MFM occurs in a number of research groups worldwide. This site has been created as a place for these research groups to discuss ideas and share information.

MFM models consist of flowstructures - normally either mass or energy - which contain flow functions, such as those shown in the diagram titled "MFM entities". The flow functions and flowstructures are connected using "MFM relations" (see figure). MFM relations of the type "Causal relations" are used to connect flow functions, whereas "Means-end relations" are used to connect flow structures.

FAQ about MFM

What is MFM? MFM is af abbreviation of Multilevel Flow Modelling, which is a system for development of functional models of complex technological system, which describe the goals of such systems and the means needed to achieve them.

How to use MFM? Read the tutorial written by Professor M. Lind published in IJNS.

What is a flow structure? A flow structure is a collection of flow functions, which describe the means needed to achieve a given goal.

What is a flow function? A flow function is a means needed (together with other means) to accomplish a goal.

What is relations? Relations contains information about how different flow functions or flow structures influence one another.